Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Director, Employee Relations and HR Compliance in the Human Resources Office. The ideal candidate will share our college’s commitment to educating the more than 32,000 racially and socioeconomically diverse students we enroll each year. Currently, our student body is approximately 45.4% Latinx/Hispanic, 32.2% White, 6.3% Asian, 5.5% African-American, 4.5% Pacific Islander, 2% multi-ethnic, and less than 1% Native American. The college was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2015, reflecting our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. As one of 20 community colleges in the state selected for the California Guided Pathways Project, we are focused on enhancing equity and implementing policies and practices that help all students achieve successful academic outcomes.

Salary Placement:

This twelve (12) month per year position will be on an individual contract. This classified administrator position will be placed on Range 15 of the Administrator Salary Schedule. Step placement is based on experience. All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at Step 1, 2, or 3 ($11,993.00/$12,172.00/$12,355.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range.

All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.

District Classified Administrator Benefits:

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees.

Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

"Big Picture" Responsibilities:

Reports to and under general direction of the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Human Resources, the Director is responsible for providing strategic and tactical support to operational areas and the HR team for employee relations (ER), policy creation and training, and overall HR compliance. Oversees complaint resolution and investigations involving employees, applicants, and third parties at the District and its affiliates. The Director leads the employee relations and HR compliance initiatives and provides strong consultancy skills, partnership, and thought leadership to deliver strategic employee relations programs and services to include: creative solution and problem solving, consistent practices, policy development, technology support and labor relations. Coordinates and provides training regarding laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for EEO, staff diversity and inclusion, employee safety & awareness, unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, workers compensation, leaves and reasonable accommodation. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The Director organizes and oversees operations of Human Resources related to assigned responsibilities. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating with other functions, programs, departments and people with a “can do” spirit. Performs others duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

• Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned staff.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs assigned department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.

Examples of Essential Functions (Illustrative Only)

• Oversees Human Resources compliance commitments and implements scalable solutions that support our EEO and DEIA strategies. This includes maintaining up-to-date knowledge of federal and state employment law and compliance requirements and ensuring Human Resource compliance with all federal and state regulations and accreditations.
• Provides impartial consultation, conflict resolution, and problem solving in response to complaints and inquiries received from members of the District community, including employees, applicants, and third parties. Ensures timely, thorough investigations of grievances, allegations and complaints under applicably District Board Policies, Collective Bargaining Agreements, federal and state laws.
• Administers the Districts workers’ compensation program and leave management plan. Complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations for employees. Oversee the assessment and need for ergonomic office supplies and other relevant office equipment or technology as part of an effective reasonable accommodations plan for employees.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned program(s); recommends departmental policy, appropriate services, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Prepares and writes responses to complaints and inquiries from external agencies including the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
• Advises and collaborates with campus community partners, as appropriate, on the status of initiatives, case management trends, challenges, and concerns pertaining to HR compliance; monitors and coordinates regulatory compliance with local, state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Title IX, ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Clery Act, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• Directs and oversees the administration, implementation, oversight, and compliance of employee leaves management, maintaining documentation and appropriate communication with third party insurance carriers, health providers and legal counsel; oversees interactive discussions with employees for the purpose of requests for reasonable accommodations; monitors employee leaves and issues appropriate correspondence regarding exhaustion of leaves and associated actions to be taken.
• Manages the reasonable accommodation interactive process pursuant to the guidelines established in the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the ADA.
• Develops a case management database to organize, manage, and track grievances, complaints and incidents, identifying patterns and making recommendations to address them.
• Oversees the quality control and audit of data related to HR compliance initiatives including detailed case management of workers compensation claims and employee relations issues.
• Prepares ad hoc and cyclical statistical report(s) on the number, nature, and disposition of complaints as well as work related injuries/illnesses. Prepares and submits reports to local, state and federal entities as well as those in response to Public Records Act requests.
• Assists in the implementation of collective bargaining agreements and selected negotiations processes.
• Provides counsel to managers and employees on matters related to HR compliance, leaves, and workers compensation.
• Participates in the development of bid specifications and requests for proposals and the selection of outside vendors for purposes of workplace investigations and other subject matter expert advice.
• Coordinates services with other District departments and divisions and with outside agencies; coordinates a collaborative HR compliance program.
• Develops professional development opportunities and presents training regarding laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for employee relations, EEO, staff diversity and inclusion, employee safety & awareness, unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, and leaves and accommodations; informs the District community of options and raises awareness of resources with respect to reporting and filing of complaints and claims.
• Assesses the training needs of district employees in the areas of compliance and EEO in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Works in a collaborative process to develop and review related District policies and administrative procedures in accordance with legal obligations and best practices.
• Participates on committees, task forces, and special assignments, including, but not limited to EEO Advisory Committee, Safety Committee, Screening and Selection Committees and affiliated trainings.
• Prepares and delivers oral presentations related to assigned areas if needed.
• Participates in training as required by federal, state and local legislations, Board and administrative policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Attends Board Meetings and Board Study Sessions as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supporting a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and antiracist academic and work environment.
• Federal and state laws and state regulations related to HR compliance initiatives, including Title II, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADEA, ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Clery Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
• Federal and state laws and state regulations related to leaves administration including ADA, FEHA, and HIPAA.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs and operational needs of the assigned functions.
• Auditing and detailed record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, students, and District staff, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

Skills and Ability to:

• Lead and motivate others to build strong, effective teams and deliver excellent services within assigned areas.
• Sustain current understanding of modern trends and legal issues in the field of human resource management.
• Oversee and address gaps in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.
• Articulate and communicate the District’s vision and commitment to creating equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism academic and work environments.
• Create and execute resources and programming towards the goal of being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist academic and work environment.
• Conduct comprehensive investigations of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment allegations with objective findings and recommendations related to law and legal precedence.
• Participate in complaint and grievance processes and hearings.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Develop and conduct training and education programs pertaining to assigned areas.
• Ensure proper and timely resolution of personnel issues and conflicts.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Address confidential information and exercise good judgment on sensitive matters.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Communicate effectively through various modalities.
• Learn and apply emerging technologies and, as necessary, to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
• Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain composure and communication in difficult situations.
• Strategize resolution to conflicts or navigate tense emotions with empathy and tact to see what can be done in a situation as opposed to what is not possible.

Qualities of a Successful Community College Leader:

Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

• Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success.
• Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change.
• Capable of building strong teams.
• Motivated to establish urgency for improvement.
• Able to plan lasting internal change.
• Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement.
• Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action.
• Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations.
• Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals.
• Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success.
• A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications.
• A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals.
• A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility.

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited US college or university.

Experience:
Seven (7) full-time years of experience administering employee relations and workers compensation programs in a collective bargaining environment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education setting, public higher education highly preferred.
• Experience in complaint and/or grievance investigation and resolution.
• Experience in auditing and maintaining data from various sources.
• Proven track record of implementing or overseeing programs or policies relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, preferably in a minority serving institution such as an institution that serves Hispanic (HSI), Asian American, and Native American Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) students.
• Proven track record of managing complex workers compensation and/or leave program caseloads including proper application of local, federal and state laws related to eligible leave or accommodations and in accordance with ADA and FEHA.

Physical Characteristics:

Must be able to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including technological devices; to communicate with individuals at various District and meeting sites; the ability to understand and comprehend written and electronic materials; and the ability to receive, review, and respond to communications in person, before groups, and over and through various media. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although movement between work areas may be required. May need to physically reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 20 pounds. Travel from site to site. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

Conditions of Employment:

Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.

Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval.

Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.

Ability to maintain a flexible workweek with hours that may vary.

Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661) 362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661) 362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the review date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite 360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

The following application materials are required for your application to be complete:

• Online District CLASSIFIED Application form.
• Current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience. Please include month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
• Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provide specific details and examples of your direct experience in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
• Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
• Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.
• Philosophy of Diversity Statement.
• Supplemental Questionnaire. Please provide detailed answers to the following questions as part of your application packet.

• Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university? If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts.
• Describe your work experience with administering a workers’ compensation and/or reasonable accommodations program.
• Describe your work experience in a unionized environment including any roles with labor negotiations or the interpretation of contract policies and provisions. Highlight any experience you may have in higher education institutions.
• Please describe your employee relations experience, including any experience in investigating and resolving discrimination and harassment complaints.
• Why do you want to work in this management position at College of the Canyons?

• Letters of Reference are optional.

Please note:

• Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
• Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
• A presentation may be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
• “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed. Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
• Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
• Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).
• Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews and final interviews on an on-going basis until the position is filled.

Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom.

This is an in-office position, working forty hours per week in our Human Resources office on the Valencia campus.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.